[PA Engineer]

Wouldn’t the process also include a sacrificial cathodic element that would have to be periodically replaced?

That would be the Anode. Depending on the material there is self-consumption or passivation. Than anode would have to be replaced someday.

I knew I should have patented that years ago. ugh.

[Yo-Yo]

You’re right, the anode is sacrificial. For many decades ocean going boats and ships have had sacrificial anodes to prevent hull rusting.